Winter 2012-2013

Highland Park High School's band escorts Santa to town during its winter festivities. Many towns host tree lightings and parades to celebrate the holiday season.

DECEMBER

DEC. 1

LAKE BLUFF

Tree Lighting

11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Head downtown for a horse-drawn carriage ride, followed by pictures with Santa at the Historic Museum. Later in the afternoon enjoy live reindeer and a visit from the elves. The evening culminates with the lighting of the tree on the Village Green. lakebluff.org

EVANSTON

Date TBD

Grand Chanukah Lighting & Celebration

5:30-6 p.m.

Gather in Fountain Square to witness the lighting of the 10-foot menorah. There will be musical entertainment and refreshments. cityofevanston.org

DEC. 6

GLENCOE

Centennial Culmination Event

6-9 p.m.

The final celebration of Glencoe Park Districts 100th anniversary will be at Takiff Center. Stations for family fun will be set up including games, fitness, crafts, food, entertainment and a historic display. Free. glencoeparkdistrict.com

DEC. 8

NORTHFIELD

Holiday Winter Fest

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Community Center will be transformed into a holiday wonderland with inflatables for jumping, a holiday craft table, sugar cookie decorating station and a visit from Santa. northfieldparkdistrict.org

DEC. 13-15

HIGHLAND PARK

Shhh…opping Highland Park

3-9 p.m.

Set aside the time for a special holiday shopping event on Central Avenue between Green Bay Road and Second Street. cityhpil.com

DEC. 14-16

LAKE FOREST

Annual Holiday Art Sale

Opening reception 6-9 p.m Dec. 14 .; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16

Held at the Stirling Hall Art Center, the event offers residents the opportunity to find a unique gift or something for the home in a variety of mediums from pottery, painting, glass, jewelry, photography and more. cityoflakeforest.com

DEC. 15

WILMETTE

Breakfast with Santa

8:30-9:30 a.m. and 10-11 a.m.

Bring the family out to the Wilmette Golf Club for pancakes and time with Santa. Children will have their picture taken and receive a goodie bag. wilmettepark.org

DATE/TIME TBD

GLENVIEW

Happy Noon Year Party

Children ages 3 to 9 don't have to wait until midnight to celebrate. They can come to the Park Center and make crafts, play games, jump in inflatables and celebrate with a balloon drop at noon. glenviewparks.org

DATE TBD

SKOKIE

Itty Bitty New Year

10 a.m.-noon

Help the little ones usher in a new year with a celebration at the Oakton Community Center. Activities include a craft, face painting, snacks and a balloon drop at noon. skokieparks.org

2013 JANUARY

GLENCOE

Winter Carnival

Join in the seasonal fun at the Watts Ice Center. From sledding and ice sculpting to games and s'mores there is no end to the winter fun. glencoeparkdistrict.com

HIGHLAND PARK

Late Night HP

Looking for something to do later at night on a weekend? Throughout the year stores and restaurants in downtown Highland Park stay open late, some until 11 p.m. or later on the weekends. There are a variety of free performances and entertainment ranging from jazz to classical to rock. cityhpil.com

WINNETKA

Winter Carnival

Shake off the cabin fever and come out for some family fun. If weather cooperates enjoy the joys of snow and ice with activities such as outdoor ice skating at Hubbard Woods. Refreshments will be served. winpark.org

FEBRUARY

EVANSTON

Jazz Festival

It doesn't get much cooler than jazz at Evanston Township High School. The all-day festival brings together hundreds of students from the Midwest and includes music education and an opportunity to showcase students' talents. ethsjazz.com

GLENVIEW

Kiddie Gras

Children can celebrate Cajun style with their own personal age-appropriate Mardi Gras at Park Center. The event includes crafts, games and activities as well as a Cajun meal complete with music and a mini balloon drop to end the evening. glenviewparks.org

SKOKIE

Winter Chilly Fest

Embrace the cold for old-fashioned winter food and fun. Held over two days, enjoy a chili dinner overlooking the pond at the Emily Oaks Nature Center. The area is decorated with glittering lights and guests can skate, snowshoe or take a hayride through the woodlands. Snow and ice games will also be offered along with a campfire for warming. skokieparks.org